Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe
Introduction
These Homemade Cosmic Brownies are rich, fudgy, and topped with a glossy ganache and colorful candy sprinkles for a fun twist. Perfect for satisfying any chocolate craving with a decadent homemade touch.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (28g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil, such as canola or vegetable
- 5 ounces (142g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2/3 cup (145g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (72g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 ounces (85g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped (for ganache)
- Pinch kosher salt (for ganache)
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream
- Candy-coated chocolate chip sprinkles, as desired for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the middle. Lightly spray an 8×8-inch square baking pan with nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper with some overhang. Spray the parchment and sides lightly.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, swirling constantly to avoid browning, about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat, whisk in cocoa powder and oil, then add the chopped bittersweet chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla vigorously until lightened in color, about 2 minutes. Add the chocolate mixture and whisk to combine.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the chocolate-egg mixture and whisk just until combined, allowing some flour streaks to remain. Fold gently with a spatula to fully incorporate.
- Step 5: Transfer the thick batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly with a spatula or spoon. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the top looks crinkly and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with moist crumbs. Let cool completely in the pan over a wire rack, about 1 hour.
- Step 6: To make the ganache, place chopped chocolate and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until it simmers with bubbling around the edges. Pour hot cream over the chocolate, let stand 1 minute, then stir until smooth.
- Step 7: Lift the cooled brownies out of the pan using the parchment overhang and place on a cutting board. Optionally flip to get an even surface, then pour and spread the warm ganache evenly over the top. Sprinkle generously with candy-coated chocolate chip sprinkles.
- Step 8: Chill the brownies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until the ganache is firm. Use a hot, dry knife to cut into bars or squares, wiping the knife clean between cuts. For signature bars, cut down the center lengthwise, create a perforated line, then cut into pieces.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter emulsification and lift.
- Try milk chocolate instead of bittersweet for a sweeter ganache.
- For extra texture, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking.
- If you don’t have candy-coated sprinkles, colorful nonpareils or crushed cookies make great toppings.
Storage
Store brownies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week. For best texture, bring chilled brownies to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently for a few seconds in the microwave to soften ganache if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts. Make sure your baking powder is gluten free as well.
How do I know when the brownies are done baking?
The brownies are ready when the top has a thin, crinkly layer and a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. They may puff a bit during baking then settle as they cool.
Print
Homemade Cosmic Brownies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 large bars or 16 smaller squares 1x
Description
Homemade Cosmic Brownies are rich, fudgy chocolate brownies topped with a silky bittersweet ganache and colorful candy-coated chocolate chip sprinkles. These decadent brownies feature a crisp top, moist crumb, and the classic cosmic brownie look, perfect for parties, special occasions, or a satisfying treat at home.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Brownies
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (28g) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 5 ounces (142g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2/3 cup (145g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (72g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Ganache and Topping
- 3 ounces (85g) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- Pinch kosher salt
- 6 tablespoons heavy cream
- Candy-coated chocolate chip sprinkles, as desired for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and position a rack in the middle.
- Prepare Pan: Lightly spray an 8×8-inch square baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper that slightly overhangs two sides. Spray the parchment and pan sides once more to grease thoroughly.
- Make Chocolate Mixture: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2.5 to 3 minutes without browning. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder and oil until combined. Add bittersweet chocolate and whisk until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Whisk Sugars, Eggs, and Vanilla: In a large bowl, vigorously whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla for about 2 minutes until pale and combined. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and whisk to blend.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Add this to the chocolate batter and whisk until just combined, then fold gently with a spatula to incorporate all flour, leaving some streaks is acceptable.
- Transfer and Bake: Spread the thick batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the top looks crinkly and a toothpick comes out clean or with moist crumbs but no wet batter. The brownies will puff and then settle near the end of baking.
- Cool Brownies: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan on a wire rack, about 1 hour.
- Make Ganache: Place chopped bittersweet chocolate and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering (1 to 2 minutes). Pour hot cream over chocolate and let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and silky.
- Spread Ganache and Top: Lift brownies out using parchment overhang and place on a cutting board. Flip if desired for an even surface. While ganache is warm, spread it evenly over the brownies and immediately sprinkle candy-coated chocolate chip sprinkles on top.
- Set and Slice: Refrigerate brownies for about 30 minutes until ganache is firm. Use a hot, dry knife (wiped clean between cuts) to slice brownies. For signature perforated look, cut brownies in halves lengthwise, lightly score a line down the middle of each half, then cut each half into four pieces, making 8 bars total. Alternatively, cut into 16 squares without perforations.
- Store Properly: Keep brownies in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days or refrigerated up to 1 week.
Notes
- Butter should be melted gently without browning to preserve a smooth chocolate flavor.
- Allow the ganache to cool slightly before spreading to avoid melting the brownies’ surface.
- Use a hot knife for clean, smooth cuts in the ganache-topped brownies.
- Sprinkles add a colorful, nostalgic touch but can be omitted or replaced with other toppings.
- Room temperature eggs mix better and give lighter texture to brownies.
- Baking time may vary slightly depending on oven; watch for the crinkly top and moist crumbs on a toothpick as indicators of doneness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cosmic brownies, homemade brownies, chocolate brownies, ganache, fudgy brownies, dessert, bake at home
